Devastating Cyclones Place SADC To Test as Reconstruction Resumes in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe

HARARE – In March, Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, were hit by Cyclone Idai, one of the worst storms ever to affect the neighboring countries.

The storm caused huge losses of human life and left
the countries with an astronomical reconstruction bill. The death toll in all
the three countries is now above 1 000, with damages estimated at US$2 billion.

While the disaster brought by Cyclone Idai was
unprecedented on many levels, Mozambique faces natural disaster induced
infrastructure losses on an annual basis.

But the scale of the latest storms could be beyond
its own capacity when it comes to reconstruction.

This could require combined effort of construction
industries across the South African Development Community to move in the three
countries in order to help them rehabilitate infrastructure.

According to the World Bank disasters in Mozambique
lead to an annual loss of an estimated US$100 million – about one percent of
the country’s GDP.

The reconstruction challenge will be huge.

The economies of the three economies are all
struggling so the restoration will not be easy but there have been concerted
efforts to raise funds for the rebuilding initiative. Construction activity is
going to be high in the affected areas.

Zimbabwe has set aside US$50 million for
reconstruction in the regions affected by Cyclone Idai in Manicaland and parts
of Masvingo and Mashonaland East.

The country’s Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube,
announced that the funds would be directed towards capacitating the Civil
Protection Unit as well as repairing roads, schools, power and water
infrastructure.

“The Ministry of Finance has released US$50 million
for emergency and infrastructure restoration following Cyclone Idai-induced
flood destruction and infrastructural damage. The funds will go towards Cyclone
Idai rescue efforts and rehabilitation of affected citizens and restoration of
rural feeder roads and other structures,” said Ncube.

He explained that the money would be allocated to
the Civil Protection Unit, the department of roads, education, health,
electricity and water and sanitation.

The International Monetary Fund executive board has
approved US$118,2 million Rapid Credit Facility Assistance to Mozambique for
the reconstruction and has also indicated that it will expedited its engagement
with Zimbabwe which will likely see funds released to the country in the
future.